Updated A/N: Well, here I am. I promised, way back when, to update this chapter with a suggestion brought out by Sukuri, also way back when. So, now I did. Don't ask me why, but I figured it was about time. I don't know how this is going to show up on ff.net, whether it'll show up like if I updated and come up with the new chapters again, or not, so if it does come up, sorry guys, but it's just an updated chapter 27! ~_~. Again, it's nothing major…just a little minor something. Oh, and I did change the spellings here! *wry grin*
A/N: Okie-Dokie…this is a quickie one since I've already taken up so much space with the review responses…I'm nowhere near happy with Sesshoumaru's characterization in this chapter. I feel like there's something missing. If you see it when you read, then I'll be forever grateful if you review and tell me what, k?
*Emania looks to her side and sees Puck waiting, semi-patiently.* Oh, excuse me, Puck would like a word. *Puck calmly comes up to the computer.* IT WASN'T ME! This time, I swear it wasn't me! I inspired her, people, I inspired her in almost one sitting on writing the bulk of the chapter. I even inspired her to write in the extra stuff that Pruningshears brought to the fore…The fact that she didn't actually post sooner wasn't because of me, it was all her… well, she actually was shanghaied into that study group and away from the story, and to her credit, she didn't necessarily want to go, but they brought up something about finals coming up and although like Inuyasha with Kagome's 'tests', I'm not exactly sure why they're so important, they seemed to motivate her out the door quick enough, so…"*Puck takes a deep breath as he finishes covering his own behind…* "you see, it wasn't me…" *Emania clears her throat gently from the side. Puck turns to look at her. He raises an eyebrow.* About the cliffy last chapter? *Puck blushes.* "Okay, so maybe the cliffy was my idea, but I did try to make up for it relatively quickly by inspiring her." *Emania shakes her head.*
Disclaimer: Not mine, but I do have a shiny, brand-spanking new "Official Non Existent Certificate of Ownership of One Inuyasha" right here beside me…does that count?
Thanks: Wow. I had something like 40 reviews this last time. FORTY! You guys keep being nicer and nicer to me, just when I think I couldn't possibly be any more amazed, you guys go and review like you did for this last chapter. *wipes tear from her eye* I'm just…so…happy! Unfortunately, my responses to the reviews are something like 7 pages on word. No need to worry, though, cause although it's not shorter than the chapter this time, it still had absolutely no bearing on the length of the chapter itself. Super Duper Double thanks go out to pruningshears for this chapter I'm posting now, who's last review gave me a great idea for Sesshy in this chapter! Oh, and someone else has added me to the favorite author list! THANK YOU ALEXA GRAY!!! Makes me feel, soooo special!! *glowing*
Pruningshears: wince yeah, I was afraid that Inuyasha would be too OOC. If you say it was still well done, then I don't feel so bad. I couldn't seem to figure out a way to do it other than the way it came out. (Puck was rather adamant.) Yeah, I wasn't sure if he could cry either, but that part about the tears just sort of wrote itself and although I again thought it was a little OOC, I decided to keep it cause I thought it worked well with the emotion I was going with. If you think it was well done, then I feel much better, though. About Sesshoumaru…you are a genius, you know that? It's unnerving the way you can do that, guess what I'm going to write…And, double thanks to you for pointing out the other reasons Sesshoumaru might have for wanting Tetsusaiga! It really got my creative juices a flowing, since I wanted a certain attitude from him, but I didn't have the…um…contextual references to back up why! So, your comment just gave me the perfect inspiration…I only hope it came through in the actual story. As I said above, I'm a little weary of the chapter. Thanks a lot for reviewing! ^_^
Evil Irish Eyes…and Garlend: (re: 26) ^_~. Hey there! So glad you're back! I was very worried that I had lost you, but I managed a strong smile for Puck…I really hope you're feeling better…I know how horrible it is to feel sick in the middle of doing twenty-thousand things…but I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOO glad you liked the chapter(s)! (Willy's rambunctious tirade aside…) Yes, the story is sadly coming to an end even though Puck is rather happy to be reaching the end…I can tell. *Puck's eyes widen as he reads her comment…* "Me?" *He glares at her.* "This is not another one you're blaming on me!" *He shakes his head violently.* "Oh, no, it's enough I've had to permanently live in another dimension just to hide from potential death threats because of the cliffies, you're not adding this one onto the pile…" *Emania looks up at him innocently* But it's true. You want to get on to the other stories you've got in that marvelously talented creative head of yours. *He opens his mouth to speak, then closes it, unsure if to be offended or amazed by her comment.* "Well, it's only because you won't let me play with any other stories until this one is finished." *Emania smiles.* So, you see, you do want this one to be over with. *Puck starts to argue, then closes his mouth into a thin line, crossing his arms.* "I should know better than to try to argue with the likes of you…" *Emania smiles brilliantly* I guess those lessons with Aristotle really paid off, huh? *Puck thinks about commenting, but notices Garlend's reaction. He shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot, hovering a little in the air when he couldn't decide which one to put down.* "Don't cry, Garlend, please? It's still going to take a few chapters until the end." *Emania pops into Garlend's line of sight* Yeah, now that this one's done, about another 3 or so. And thanks so much for the congratulations…I still can't believe I've gotten that many! It's amazing considering I was worried when I didn't get any but one or two when I first started posting! *shakes head, realizing that Puck's disappeared.* Now, where'd he get off to?
(re: 27) *Emania sighs contently* See? I knew something had to have happened to keep you from reviewing, I knew you wouldn't just leave without reviewing even if I…uh…*Emania looks around, doesn't see Puck anywhere* Puck had thought of something into the story that didn't work or made it awful. *Puck pops in to flick her behind the ear. Emania opens her mouth on a wordless scream* "Even if I did something awful to the story?!" *Emania looks around her, lifting up her laptop and lowering it again to glare at Puck.* How do you do that? Do you have the room bugged? *Puck rolls his eyes at her* "I am a fae, remember?" *Emania's eyes widen, then narrow* Really? So that means that when I call out to you you can hear me? *Puck opens his mouth, then deciding he was better off ignoring the comment, turns to the computer.* "I had faith in you guys, too, I was just worried." *He winks at Garlend.* "And I saw the mail carrier…*chuckles* "Good work, Garlend…wish I had thought of that." *Emania takes a deep breath.* In any case, I'm very glad that you liked the chapter and you didn't think Miroku's declaration was rushed. I was very worried that it would seem like it just popped out of nowhere. And I was especially worried about the Inuyasha stuff…* trails off as Puck is glaring triumphantly at her* What? *Puck raises an eyebrow* "Didn't I tell you it was perfect?" *Emania rolls her eyes.* Yes, Puck, we all know how perfect you are, okay? Sheesh! *Emania smiles at Evil* Wow, don't I know about life getting in the way of writing. How long has it been since my last update? I was afraid I'd start getting threats again, that's why I decided to post the update even though I'm not completely happy with it. *winces at Evil* And your telling me how much you love Sesshy doesn't make me feel all that much better…I'm very worried…*Puck scoffs* "So what's new?" *Emania glares* …about my portrayal of Sesshy's character. Puck was rather mute on the subject… *Puck's wings stand at attention in offense.* "Excuse me, didn't I help you write in what Pruningshears pointed out?" *Emania shrugs* But you weren't as enthused about it as you were about Miroku's declaration. *Puck shrugs* "Sesshoumaru may be a great villain and I must agree, but he's not very much fun, unless…" *he trails off and looks at Emania, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. Emania doesn't know what he's up to, but knows the look so she sits up in her chair, holding out a restraining hand on Puck.* NO! *Puck's wings droop in disappointment.* "At least let me dream!" *Emania shakes her head.* Not a chance, cause then I dream and we remember what happened last time, don't we? *Puck grins* "Well, you can use it for a story." *Emania glares* Which I won't write until this one's done, and we've been through this, so let me get back to Evil and Garlend's review, okay? *Puck starts as he remembers where he was.* "Oh, right!" *He grins at Garlend and Evil and puts on his best, most behaved face.*
So, Evil was gushing? Wow…I'm so honored! Oh, and I'll be on the lookout for your upcoming stories! I know Puck is especially interested in reading them! *Puck glares at the back of her head, but Emania turns to look at him and smiles sweetly, so it falls off into a mask of impassivity. Emania sighs, rolling away from the desk.* Okay, Puck, go ahead.
*Puck disappears and re-appears before the computer, holding out two bouquets of multi-colored flowers. He hands one to Evil and one to Garlend.* "These I picked on the shores of Avalon, to bring you health and bounty and fragrance into your lives, in the hopes that you will never fill ill again or feel the negative repercussions of life." *He turns to Garlend, holding out a garland of never before seen flowers wreathed into a crown.* "Do with these what you wish, but know only that their beauty could never even resemble the beauty of your soul." *Emania coos from her corner.* oooh, Puck, are those the ones Titania gave you? *Puck nods, blushing, but proud.* "Aye." *Emania smiles broadly.* See? Much better than fruit, I think! *Puck sighs and turns back to Garlend.* "Never feel you have to apologize for life getting in the way, I shall never doubt again." *Emania raises a hand, drawing Puck's attention.* Speaking of which, how come Evil gets one of those nifty mirrors and I don't? You don't get me anything like that. Not even the fruit! *Puck glares at her.* "I thought you didn't like fruit!" *Emania pouts.* Still, you could have asked. *Puck sighs.* "Alright, I'll get you chocolate from Avalon." *Emania claps her hands joyously.* Oh, and one of those nifty mirrors couldn't hurt… *Puck glares.* "Don't press your luck." *Emania raises her hands, knowing when to be happy with what she's gotten.* Anyway, Evil and Garlend, thanks so much for reviewing, and I won't doubt ever again either…not that I doubted in the first place…
p.s. Oh, and thanks about the bio comment…I couldn't think of anything else to put there, so…
^_^
Elventeen: Well, so long as the chappie sounded great to a reader, then I'm more than happy! ^_^ *Puck's sweatdrop disappears* "whew! I'm glad for that at least!" *Emania grins* Hope you like this one, too!
LilacRose: I already told you how wonderful your story is and how despite having had two more chapters since I wrote my last update, I'm still aching for more! I'm very honored for the advanced copy. I don't give you too much praise, I give you just the right amount of praise…probably less than you deserve. *Puck pokes his head along side Emania's.* "Thank you, Lady Rose, for the compliment and for recognizing my contribution to this." *Emania pushes him away, rolling her eyes.* He's such a ham. But thank you again for reviewing. I hope what happens with Sesshoumaru doesn't disappoint you, I'm a little worried about his characterization. Thanks again for the present and feel free to send another my way whenever you want! I highly appreciate it. If I didn't think it'd be burdening you, I'd send out the chapter after this one cause I'm so unsure of what I'm doing there, that I could use the help! ^_^
Kagura37: Hey, new reviewer! *blushes* Aw, gee, thanks so much for the compliment. I hope I don't disappoint you too much and I'm very sorry about the cliffies…I don't think this one ends on a cliffy…not really…*Puck mutturs under his breath about being given a bad rep* "Did you read the AN? I did inspire her faster! She just let life get in the way!" *Emania grins* Give it up, Puck, you're the one getting yelled at from now on! *Cackles madly*
Bluefuzzyelf: blushes Thanks, really! I'm glad it fell the right way. I was so worried! Now, I'm worried about Sesshy's appearance, but hey, would it be me without worrying? ^_^ ;;
RinoaOHeartilly: *Hands her back the 'I'm with stupid' shirt, grinning* I'm just glad I didn't lose you along the way. You know how I am about my reviewers! *grins sheepishly* I'm really glad you reviewed again and liked the chapters, but I am sorry you got hit by the hurricane…I hate hurricanes…I still remember when Andrew hit Miami…*slaps forehead* Oh, shit, did I just give away my age? *Puck laughs maniacally. Emania glares at him.* Shut it, Puck! Anyway, I hope everything turned out okay and you didn't suffer too much damage. About killing Kagome…well, I don't want to ruin anything, so I won't answer that until after this chapter, k? About the Puck scene, well, it just seemed like more than a few of my usual reviewers didn't review last chapter, and Puck just felt, well…unloved. I, of course, was certain that I didn't loose you guys cause I was certain of my faith in my reviewers…*trails off as Puck comes into site, taking back Rinoa's 'I'm with stupid' shirt and pulls it on over his head, standing directly alongside of Emania. Emania glares at him and snaps her fingers, turning him into the smaller version of the fae he is. Puck buzzes around her ear before popping out into the next plain. The shirt appears back in Rinoa's hands. Emania smiles* Neat little trick, huh? He'll be back, though, so I better hurry up and try to finish these…^_~.
Del_Kaidin: *Emania takes the certificate and jumps around crazily.* Yey! I've got a Certificate of Ownership! Woohoo! *Puck smacks her to stop her.* "Non-Existent…" *Emania blinks at him.* Your point? *Puck shrugs, giving up and pops back out. Emania grins, hugging the certificate to her chest.* Thank you, Del! I'm so happy! And I'm so glad you liked the chapter. Damn those non existent mail carriers! *giggles madly* I should ask Garlend to go after them…^_~ Read Evil Irish Eyes review to chapter 27, you'll understand! Thanks again for reviewing!
Ghoul King: My dad was a Civil War buff! *Puck sweatdrops* "Never mind her, people, just move along." *Emania grins.* Anyway, thanks for reviewing again! I hope your female necromancer likes this chapter with 'fluffy' *giggles at the thought of calling him that to his face, then growls as she realizes Puck was buzzing at her ear again. She swipes at him.* Stop that! I said I'm not going to write any purely comedic turns on fluffy…ah, Sesshoumaru! *Puck sighs at his fun being found out and pops back into his other realm.* As I was saying before I got sidetracked by a demented fae's demented inspirations, I hope she and you…heck, I hope EVERYBODY likes this chapter with Sesshoumaru in it. *Emania looks at the black box and shrugs.* Puck! *When he doesn't answer, she snaps her fingers and sends it over to wherever Puck was.* I'm sure he'll appreciate your gift, Ghoul King, so thanks for sending… *trails off as Puck pops into view, the stench of smoke and sulfur still clinging to his blackened clothes.* Puck? *Puck drops an exploded box in front of her face.* "Oberon was not pleased when that exploded at court." *Emania giggled.* Oops… *Puck shakes and is suddenly clean again, his fae wings gleaming brilliantly in the light appearing just to show off how beautiful his wings gleam in it. He giggles.* "Yeah, I know." *Puck chuckles, extending his arms wide to show the size of the explosion.* "Ka-blooie!" *Emania and Puck both erupt into peels of laughter.* Oh! I can just see Oberon's face now! *Puck doubles over, fighting to control himself.* "Thank…you…Ghoul…King…" *he trails off as he can't any longer. Finally getting control of himself, he bows to Ghoul King.* "Avalon hasn't seen that much fun since I made Shakespeare's face look like an as…ah, donkey!" *He erupts in laughter again…and disappears.*
AbyssDemon: Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad you liked the chapter and I hope you like this chapter too! ^_^
Niku: *takes certificate and hugs it to her, then frames it and hangs it on her wall.* Wow. Thanks! That's such a great compliment! I'm just glad you liked the chapter, especially with how worried and unsure I am with these last few chapters. I don't want to feel like I've jipped anyone out of what they've been expecting so near the end, y'know? If you've got some ideas too, write away! Trust me, there's nothing like writing and getting feedback to hone your skills. You couldn't possibly feel any more unsure of your writing than I do, and look how wonderful people like you have been?! ^_^. I hope you like this chapter, too!
Moon Fairy: One of your favorites? Really?! Oh, wow! I'm so honored! I'm really glad you liked the chapter…now I only hope that this one is as interesting as you hoped! ^_~. Thanks for reviewing!
Kai-Aki Ti: Hello, again! Glad I didn't loose you. And I'm glad you liked the fluff. I was worried it wasn't appropriate, but I'm so happy you liked it! Thanks for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter!
LilyFlower: *opens eyes wide and nods slowly* Yeah, I know! Inu actually went willingly to find Sesshy…and now I just hope Sesshy's character is true to form and believable. Thanks for reviewing again and thank you soooo much for reviewing in an attempt to ease my worries! ^_^ I hope this chapter lives up to expectations!
Eartha: Hiya! How'd the term paper turn out? (And thanks for looking at the chappie again despite having to do the paper…^_^) *Sits down to think about what she pointed out of the chapter.* Hmm…I see what you mean…*nods slowly, frowns* I'll have to go back and see what I can do about that, won't I? Thanks so much for taking the time to go back and point it out. I am dying to find out what you think about Sesshy here…I'm more than a little unsure about it…
eX Driver Liz: You wouldn't have expected it because it's good or wouldn't have expected it because it's sooo crazy that it's not even believable? Well, in any case, your opinion might change after this chapter I'm posting now *frowns* maybe even for the worse! Agh!! ~_~
Jen: *laughs* I'm so glad you were touched by the chapter…I was practically in tears myself writing it! And I'm especially glad that Mir/San made you happy! I didn't want to ruin it, y'know?! ^_~
Piukka: *VERY BIG GRIN* Well, I'm glad you liked it especially…if it wouldn't have been for you, I probably wouldn't have remembered about them until I got to the end! So, thank you again! I don't know if the twists are necessarily evil, but…*grins wickedly* Oh, whom I kidding? I hope they're evil!!! *cackles madly, then coughs, stopping* Yeah, I feel about Shippou, too. I don't know what I'm going to do with the poor kit…I can't really find where to stick him.
Born of Elven Blood: Hello. You're new, aren't you? If you are, then *hands her a big bag of virtual chocolate* Welcome! I hope you've gotten to this chapter by now so you can see my response to your review and how much I appreciate new reviewers! And wow! I have a crazed fan! Woohoo!! *bows solemnly* I am so honored. Don't be afraid that I'll be creeped out by you, I love all my reviewers, no matter how freaky they are…I'm rather freaky myself so I can say that, you see…I want to thank you so much for all the wonderful compliments! I expect that the story will end well *glares at Puck, her muse, who grins innocently and waves at the new reviewers.* "May I call you, Lady Blood? That has a nice ring to it." *Emania turns up the intensity of her glare and pushes Puck away* that's enough, Puck…we don't want her to know how freaky we are, do we? I'm so glad you liked the fluffiness. Thanks again for the review and I hope you've liked the chapters after 21! *Emania glares at Puck where he was bending over the desk, trying to get to the computer with a hammer and nails.* What are you doing? *Puck speaks through the nails in his mouth* "Nailing the computer down, got the desk and the sofa and…" *he trails off as Emania glares at him.* This is a LAPTOP, Puck, it's supposed to be mobile! *Puck frowns. The hammer and nails disappear. He crosses his arms across his chest.* "Well, whatever, don't blame me for not trying later." *Emania sweatdrops*
Okay, I feel silly. I replied to your other three reviews before getting to the one you did for chapter 27, so, um, I'm so glad you got there! And I'm especially glad my story managed to keep your attention until then! I'm sorry that it took me a while to update…*sigh* the AN above should explain it! Thanks, and I hope you like this one!
Kiyoushi: *blushes* Oh, wow…that was an amazing review and I want to thank you whole-heartedly for it. Thank you so much for trying to allay my fears about my fluff potential and the actual particulars of the chapter. I feel so much better when I get reviews as intelligent and thoughtful as yours telling me my chapters make sense and are interesting and entertaining. Ahh! I'm so interested in reading your stories, and as soon as I finish answering these reviews, I am off to read at least one of them (I have to limit myself to reading one fic a day or I'll never get any work done…and we all know what will happen if I don't get any work done…*looks off fearfull at Tokijin, shivering*) But I will read your stories…I'm simply honored that you asked! I hope you liked LilacRose's story, too. And thanks so much for reviewing! I hope you like this chapter!
RavenShadow: *beams* Thanks! I was so worried! But as always, you guys always make me feel better! I hope this chapter was worth the excitement! ~_~.
CorruptedAngel: I'm just glad I didn't loose you! I hope your computer "gets better" soon and I especially hope you like this chapter considering your wonderful compliments in your last review! *smiles wryly* Thank you!
MoonBaby: Hey! It's okay, I'm just happy your still reading the story! I'm sorry about what I did to Kag, but she still had some lessons to learn…actually, she's still got some more stuff to learn even after this chapter, even though in this chapter she THINKS she's got it all figured out! What can I say? She's stubborn! So's Inu for that matter! *grins wickedly* I love angst, don't you? Hope you liked Well as much as I did…*waves back* Thank you very much for all the compliments and for saying the story's good, too! ^_^ ;;
AlexaGray: *winces* You picked up on that aspect of Miroku's part, huh? Yeah, I think maybe that's part of what made me think it was a little rushed. If it wasn't because so many other things were already going on in that chapter, I coulda probably devoted a whole chapter or so on Mir's thoughts about it. But I'm still glad that you didn't think it threw off the chapter, too much! You know, you guys are really good with the guessing of my plots…has Puck been talking to you?! *Glares at Puck, her muse, who shakes his head emphatically.* Oh, and thankyouthankyouthankyou for putting me on your favorites list! I know it's kinda silly, but I feel so much love when I see that I'm on the favorite author list of people…I feel like I could go around stopping random people on the street and saying "I'm on a favorite author list"…of course, I wouldn't, cause then they'd lock me up and conveniently loose the key, but it's nice to know I could and wouldn't be lying! I feel like it's my own personal like New York Times Bestseller list or something…it's cool! ^_^
Courtney: Thank you so much! I hope you like this chapter, too! Thanks again for reviewing! ^_^
Yoshiko-Rae: I really do wish there were more men like that…*sigh* But in any case, thank you so much for reviewing and letting me know what you thought of the chapter. I'm really very glad you liked it, especially since I was so worried about the very thing you pointed out as being good about it! So, thank you again and I hope you like this chapter, too!
Yupperz2003: Hello. Thank you for reviewing and thank you for letting me know what you think! I feel so much better now! Hope you like this one. ^_~.
Trinity Kirara: "eep!" *Puck yelps and pops into another dimension. Emania watches Joy go after him and laughs.* He's such a wuss. Really. Thank you so much for commenting on Inu's OOC-ness, or lack thereof, thank the Gods! Please review again and let me know what you think of this chapter, too, yes? ^_~.
Katergator: *blushes* Aww…thank you! I'm so glad you liked it. Please let me know what you think of the new chapter and how Sesshy fits into all this, okay? ^_^.
Niamha: Hiya! I'm glad you liked it. I am emailing you as soon as I post the chapter. I hope you like it, too! -_-.
Wyrm of Souls: Eeep! *smiles* I don't mind the ranting, I'm actually kinda honored that you feel so strongly about my story! I am really trying for your one day deadline, really! As I write this it is 8:30 on Tuesday, the 30th. Puck is very scared that he'll get blamed for it, but he did his part, I can't really blame him, I just didn't get around to editing and such until some of yesterday and some of today. Life (gosh-dangit) keeps getting in the way!! Arg!! *melts and blushes as she reads about the flames* Aww…thanks for the compliment, but I'm sure some people would disagree with you! Thanks for reviewing and I reallyreally hope this chapter was worth your waiting!
Nifer: *BIG Grin* Nope. That's good. Thanks! And I hope you like this one, too!
AgentScully: HEY!! How you doin'? You know, I am really very nervous now since I read how much you like Sesshy's character and how much you're looking forward to this chapter…I feel very much on the spot and I am sweating…hoping upon hope…that I didn't disappoint you with this chapter. I feel kinda outta my league writing Sesshy. I didn't realize that, of course, until after I wrote the one line and I had sort of written myself into a corner. I figured, hey, if I can pull off the chapter, then it'll be: "Sweeeet!" but if I don't, it'll stink worse than three day old Sushi. Which is pretty bad. I'm not convinced where this chapter lies, yet. I feel like something's missing but I can't quite pinpoint what it is…if you can find it, then PLEASE review and tell me, yes? *Emania looks at Puck, eyebrow raised, to find him raising his arms in the air as if he were pushing up the sky.* "yey Puck, yey Puck, it's your birthday!" *He stops suddenly as he realizes Emania's watching him.* "What?" *Emania sighs and turns back to the screen* Puck says thank you. *Puck raises his hands, pushing the sky, behind Emania's back* About San/Mir I feel pretty much like you do. I started this story thinking that I wouldn't get into their relationship much at all, but then Puck, in retribution, made me develop most of one of the club chapters to them, which worked really well comic wise but it got me more into their relationship than I had originally thought. Then, I woulda forgotten all about them if it hadn't been for Piukka who asked about it in her review of chapter 26. So, thank you so much for commenting about it. PLEASE don't leave me on the line here with this chapter, okay? I'm really worried about it! Pretty please?!
Sukuri: Hello! I'm sorry you had such trouble finding the chapter. My net is playing on my last nerves, so I feel you. It's okay that you couldn't review, I'm just happy it's not because you didn't like the chapter or anything. I'm very deliriously happy that you still like the story and I blush at your compliments. *Laughs as she reads about the email to Rumiko Takahashi.* That's gotta be my favorite, really! I'm glad the idea of Inu going to Sesshy seems to fit, I was a bit worried about that, but now, of course, I'm worried about my characterization of Sesshy! *frowns* West Virginia? Isn't that…um…in the West, somewhere? I know there's a Virginia somewhere, too! *shakes her head.* Sorry…not good with geography. Ask me about literature, a book report or something you might have to do and I'd be glad to help, though! ^_^. Hope it turned out alright!
Chapter 27: If You Could Only See…
"If you could only see the way she loves me / Then maybe you would understand / Why I feel this way about our love / And what I must do."
-If You Could Only See, Tonic
"What have you called me here for, little brother?" Sesshoumaru asked, his cool tone betraying none of his curiosity at his brothers' summons.
Inuyasha growled inwardly at his tone. He took a deep breath to steady his voice before he spoke. "I need Tensaiga," he said, without preamble.
"Do you?" Sesshoumaru's eyes calmly glanced over Inuyasha's shoulders. "Has your wench gone and gotten herself killed?" he asked, his tone almost amused. Inuyasha's growl came from deep within him, and Sesshoumaru could felt the change in his scent-- his brother was on a very thin tether. It must have taken much for Inuyasha to come and ask for Tensaiga. Something, Sesshoumaru thought, like his wench finally getting herself killed. Sesshoumaru looked at her prone figure where it lay on the ground and didn't see the messengers of the dead anywhere near to her, but he could smell them lingering in the air. They were close. The human was not dead, not yet. "She is not completely dead, you realize."
Inuyasha wished he didn't have to explain, but if it would get him Tensaiga he would kneel at his brother's feet. "Her life-force is exhausted, she has no strength to come out of the deep sleep she is in and she is slowly dying the longer it lasts."
"And you think Tensaiga will awaken her?" Sesshoumaru asked, more than a little curious.
Inuyasha's face went hard as stone. "It must."
If Sesshoumaru were capable of showing emotion, he would have looked mildly surprised. "I suppose it would be an interesting experiment," Sesshoumaru thought aloud. "However, why should I bother to give it to you?" he questioned. "I care nothing for your human wench."
Inuyasha's hands curled into fists at his sides. "I will fight you for it if you make me," he bit out through clenched teeth. "But it would take away valuable time which I don't have…" he trailed off. "If she dies when you could save her, I will kill you, Sesshoumaru."
"You act as if she were your mate," Sesshoumaru commented, his smooth voice mocking him by its very dry and disinterested nature.
Inuyasha fought off the need to look at Kagome, and lost. She looked so pale, so drawn, her face so serious. 'My mate?' he resisted the urge to laugh. Whether she felt for him what he felt for her, Inuyasha realized in that instant that it would never change what she meant to him. Whether or not she truly became his mate meant nothing…she had already given him more than he ever hoped a mate might give. "She's everything," he answered finally. He wouldn't lose her, he wouldn't let her die. He glared back at Sesshoumaru. "I don't want to fight you, Sesshoumaru," he sighed and looked at his brother sadly. Why couldn't he simply ask something of his brother the way he would ask it of Miroku? "I couldn't even care anymore whether you lived or died, but I will avenge her death if you allow it to happen."
Sesshoumaru was surprised at the emotion in his brother's voice. There was something there he had not heard before…beyond the mere emotion or desperation…something in the tone of his words…something all too like his father had sounded on the countless times when he insisted on going off to follow his heart rather than his logic. Inuyasha had always possessed the passion his father was known for, but never the undercurrent of cold control. Now, however, Sesshoumaru could feel that current running strong in his brother. He looked at the small whelp of a girl lying unconscious behind Inuyasha and thought of the few times he had been privy to dealing with her. He remembered specifically the time she had stood in the path of his attack to protect Inuyasha even thought he was transformed into the full demon without Tetsusaiga and could have very easily turned his urge to kill on her.
Could this girl be the cause for this maturity?
"If you do kill me, brother, what will you accomplish? You will not have your everything." Sesshoumaru spoke quietly, his tone betraying none of his thoughts.
Inuyasha was still. He didn't want to contemplate a time without Kagome. "No," he answered, his voice devoid of emotion. "I will have nothing, not even a will to live, only a will to kill you and then…I will be nothing."
Sesshoumaru hadn't expected such a thoughtful reply from his brother. Another time, Inuyasha would have yelled obscenities at him and attacked rather than spoken with such clarity and calm. Was it possible that his brother had finally matured as befits his station? Was it possible Inuyasha was finally growing into his title as Lord of the Western Lands? "Would you do anything to save her?"
Inuyasha's head snapped up to look at Sesshoumaru. "Anything," he answered without hesitation. Inuyasha watched as his brother contemplated Kagome where she lay just to his side. There was something in the cold intelligence of Sesshoumaru's eyes that prompted Inuyasha to think he was considering his proposal. "Name your price," Inuyasha spoke into the silence.
+~+~
'Inuyasha?'
Kagome started toward him, stopping suddenly as she realized there was something wrong with the way he looked. The expression on his face was too serious, for one. He looked as if he had just been told the end of world was coming. But there was something else. He was facing Sesshoumaru and they weren't fighting, but that wasn't it either. Sesshoumaru's face was…well, blank, but just this side of blank so that it seemed like he was almost smiling. And yet, that wasn't what didn't look right, either. She squinted, trying to see what they were doing, but couldn't see them clearly through the mist still surrounding her…
The mist…
She looked behind her and could still see glimpses of the bright, comforting, warm light that had called to her earlier, but…but she hadn't followed it. She had followed…she tried to remember…she had followed Inuyasha's voice. He had been talking to her, calling her but she hadn't been able to make out what he was saying so she followed his voice…here…out of the mists, she thought, but…
The mists were still around her. She shivered. And she was still cold even though the sun was shining down brightly on the meadow where Inuyasha was speaking with Sesshoumaru. And why couldn't she hear them? She tried to walk closer to them, but stopped just before stepping on something on the ground. A body! It looked like…Kikyo?
Was that why Inuyasha was so serious? Because Kikyo was in trouble? She felt the old hurt well up inside her, but it was quickly chased away by the pity that came with the memory of her realization about Kikyo's heart.
She looked down at the body of the girl in the priestess garb and knelt by her side. Maybe she could help? She tried to touch the girl, but her hand went right through the white clad shoulder. Kagome panicked instantly. 'What…what's going on?' she spoke, but no sound reverberated.
The mist around the body floated away, shifting on the ground and giving her a clearer view of the girl's face. That wasn't Kikyo…it was…
'Me?' Kagome gasped in surprise and looked up at Inuyasha, then back down at her own face looking pale and tragic as her body lay motionless on the ground. 'Could that really be me?' she wondered. She brought her hand in front of her and realized that if she looked hard enough, she could see right through it to her body lying on the ground. Was she dead? She looked back up at Inuyasha. She couldn't be dead! She had so much to do yet! She hadn't told Inuyasha she knew where the rest of the jewel shards were! She hadn't helped defeat Naraku! She hadn't…
Her head hurt and her whole body started to feel weak, pain running through her body. She fell over and put out a hand to keep from falling onto the ground. She gasped as she felt the soft material of the hakana pants her body wore. 'Am I…solid?' She tried to feel the ground but the biting pain coursed through her again and she screamed soundlessly.
There was so much pain…
It was as if the more she tried to feel her surroundings, the more pain she felt…
So much pain, she almost couldn't stand it…
The mist started to close in on her again and she felt the coldness seep into her body, making the pain even more acute. She knew somehow that if she turned to the light behind her, the pain would go away…the pain would go away if she let go, but…
She looked up and saw Inuyasha's face go hard and shift into angry lines. 'Inuyasha,' she thought. 'I wish I could hear you,' she sighed.
"Name your price."
She gasped as Inuyasha's voice became suddenly clear to her. She looked at Sesshoumaru. What could they be talking about? What could he be bargaining for?
Sesshoumaru thought about it only momentarily. "Tetsusaiga." Inuyasha seemed to have expected that answer, for he didn't so much as blink. Perhaps this would make him react, Sesshoumaru thought. "And your arm to wield it."
Kagome gasped. 'His arm?' she thought, wincing at the idea. She shook her head. Inuyasha wouldn't give him Tetsusaiga. It was his father's gift, it meant more to him than anything and it was what kept him sane, what kept his soul from being devoured. She didn't know what they were bargaining for, but nothing Sesshoumaru had would be worth Inuyasha giving him Tetsusaiga.
Inuyasha seemed lost in thought. He turned his head to look at her over his shoulder. 'Was he really thinking about it?' Kagome thought. 'Inuyasha, don't!' she exclaimed, but Inuyasha wasn't really looking at her, he was looking at her body on the ground.
"I'll turn into the demon again," Inuyasha spoke.
"Yes," Sesshoumaru answered.
"And the Tensaiga?" Inuyasha asked.
'Tensaiga?' Kagome thought. Could that be what they were bargaining for? But…why?
"I shall use it if you cannot," Sesshoumaru answered the unasked question.
Inuyasha nodded curtly. As if coming to a decision, Inuyasha looked up to meet his brother's eyes. "You must swear to keep me from doing harm," Inuyasha spoke seriously, trying to read his brother. "You must swear to kill me, on your honor."
Kagome gasped and reached out for Inuyasha, trying to run toward him, but she was pulled back roughly until she fell alongside her body. She looked at it and suddenly knew she could not travel further than a certain distance away from her body on the mortal plain. She had never asked this information, nor had she read it anywhere, but she knew it as sure as if she had the book detailing it right before her. She looked at Inuyasha. 'No,' she whispered. He couldn't hear her, he couldn't see her, and she couldn't go near him and he was going to willingly give up Tetsusaiga, for what?
'No, Inuyasha!' she tried to yell again. 'Don't give up your soul…'
+~+~
Sesshoumaru was as surprised as he had ever really been. Inuyasha had not only agreed to give up Tetsusaiga and his arm, but had asked that Sesshoumaru kill him when he turned into the killing demon. And all for that…that human…?
"You are willing to give up your sword and your life for this girl?" Sesshoumaru asked.
Inuyasha nodded. "I promised to protect her," he answered as if that should explain it. "I swore to keep her safe and if I can save her, I'd rather die than watch her die." Inuyasha met Sesshoumaru's unmoved stare. "If you can't understand that, then I pity you, Sesshoumaru, but I don't know how else to explain it." Inuyasha looked at Sesshoumaru and pulled Tetsusaiga out of his belt, scabbard and all. He held it balanced between his two hands, presenting it to his brother. "Do you accept?"
+~+~
Kagome watched as Inuyasha presented Tetsusaiga to his brother and fell to her knees as the pain cut through her insides. 'Nooo!' she called out. Why would he do that? His soul wouldn't survive! She doubled over, her arms circling her abdomen in an attempt to quiet the pain.
I'd rather die than watch her die…
It was all so clear to her suddenly.
She had been such a fool. She had suffered for so long, punishing him with her anger and her desire that he love her as she loved him, she had been blind to the fact that he did love her in his own way, maybe not the way she wanted him to love her, but love just the same. She had wanted more than that, and it was costing him his soul. She wouldn't let him sacrifice himself when she had been so blind. She wouldn't let him…
She cried out as Inuyasha presented Tetsusaiga to Sesshoumaru and she saw the look in his eyes.
She called out to him with more than her voice; she called out to him with her soul, her very essence. She wanted to reach him, to stop him, to hold him. She had been so selfish to want more than he could give her, to punish him for not being able to give it and she wouldn't let him punish himself any more for not being able to protect her when she had done this to herself…
She stood, despite the pain. She felt the desperation, the lack of time wash the pain away as she watched Sesshoumaru reach out for Tetsusaiga. Where she had thought she had no time, she felt time span out before her, endless and infinite. Where she had felt only fear, now she felt the calm steal over her senses, bringing her peace. The doubts and uncertainties within her stilled and she felt peaceful and quiet and it was into this quiet that she called out, not with her voice, but with her aura. 'I won't let you die,' she told Inuyasha.
+~+~
Sesshoumaru reached out his arm for Tetsusaiga, giving his brother plenty of time to reconsider and withdraw, but he didn't. In the end, it was Sesshoumaru himself who stopped before touching the sword. He lowered his head to look at his side, feeling first the warmth that warned of magic. His eyes widened as he saw the glow coming from within Tensaiga. The warmth grew into heat and the heat into a searing pain…Tensaiga wanted to be released.
"Sesshoumaru?" Inuyasha called. "What are you doing?" he demanded.
Sesshoumaru ignored his brother, lowering his hand to the hilt of Tensaiga. He pulled it out, the pain of the concentrated heat almost too much for him to bear. As soon as it was free, he was surrounded in a blinding light.
Inuyasha blinked as the white light surrounded them. 'What the hell could he be up to?' Inuyasha thought angrily, instinctively pulling back from the heat coming from Tensaiga. 'Was this another form of attack?' he wondered. Attack? He threw himself in Kagome's direction, falling over her limp body to protect her from the blast, but it was too late, the beam of light had already encompassed her and had lifted her off the ground, her hair floating around her as if she were in very clear liquid.
Inuyasha reached out to her, but as soon as he touched the light, his hand burned. He bared his fangs. "What the hell are you doing!" he yelled at his brother. "We had an agreement!"
Sesshoumaru didn't respond, Inuyasha couldn't even see Sesshoumaru from the blinding light, but the light still came from his direction. He ground his teeth and purposefully reached back into the light. Prepared for the heat and the pain, he managed to push further inside, but he could not resist from screaming out.
Inuyasha.
The soft word knocked his concentration off and he fell back away from the light. He opened his eyes and almost wept. "Kagome," he whispered. His hand was blistering rapidly, but he didn't feel the pain anymore, he had eyes only for the image of Kagome standing before the light, looking at him. Did that mean she was dead? He wouldn't accept that. He started to reach out for her, but the ethereal image of her held out a hand to still him and he stood there, awe-struck, as the light dissipated and died. The wraithlike image of Kagome faded, a smile on her face and he was left only with the body of Kagome lying unconscious on the ground and Sesshoumaru just beyond, Tensaiga limp and still at his side.
Inuyasha reached over for Kagome and cradled her in his arms. He listened with every sense he had, but although her body was warmer, he could no longer hear even the muted rhythm of her heart.
He had half expected to cry again, but the tears didn't come. He expected to feel pain, but felt only nothing; he was numb, as if he were made of ice…
He had tried so hard, they had come so far, but…it didn't really matter. He had lost her.
Inuyasha started as a gasp escaped her lips and she inhaled deeply. He looked down at her in amazement as he heard her heart begin beating in a syncopating rhythm. "Kag…ome?" he asked.
Her peaceful face turned into a frown and her eyes squeezed shut against the brightness of the sun. Inuyasha shook her a little in his arms. "Kagome!" he called.
Kagome heard his voice as if through a fog and although she fought to open her eyes, her lids were too heavy at first. Finally, she managed to blink her eyes open. The first thing she saw were the gold of his eyes. She blinked a few more times and the rest of his face came into focus. He looked so worried…
"In…" her voice came out hoarse and she had to stop and clear her throat. "Inuyasha," she managed on a whisper.
"I'm here, Kagome," he assured her.
She suddenly remembered why she had fought so hard, what she had wanted to tell him. She clutched at the red cloth of his shirt. "Don't give up Tetsusaiga, Inuyasha!" she exclaimed, her voice gaining strength but still weak. "You can't!"
"What?" Inuyasha asked. 'Had she seen?' he wondered. Could she have known what was going on with his brother? He looked down at her in amazement as her eyes started to close again and all thoughts but keeping her awake left him. He shook her again. "No, Kagome, don't go to sleep," he insisted. "You can't go back to sleep."
Kagome opened her eyes to look at him again. "I think I was dead," she said, her voice clearly amazed.
Inuyasha pulled her closer to him at how close her words were to the truth. He had almost lost her. And, he realized, he owed the fact that he hadn't, to Sesshoumaru and Tensaiga. He looked up to find that his brother was still standing there, watching the whole scene play out before them. Inuyasha stood, lifting Kagome easily into his arms, and faced his brother. "You have completed your end of the deal, Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha spoke seriously. "I ask only that you give me enough time to take her back to the village where they can help her recover before you come for my end of our bargain."
Kagome grasped Inuyasha's shirt again to draw his attention. "No," she whispered. "Not Tetsusaiga!"
Sesshoumaru heard the human's whispered words to his brother and felt…could actually feel the desperation in her. How did she know what they had been bargaining for, unless she had heard the whole thing? But she had been near death. Unless, her magic was stronger than he had given her credit for. This was the second time that the human wench had affected him so, the first being when she stood in his path to protect a transformed Inuyasha. The look in Inuyasha's eyes told Sesshoumaru all he had been waiting for regarding his brother's maturity. He was willing to honor the deal he had been making with him, even though he could very easily attempt to fight him off and even though honoring his agreement would mean losing the one thing he had fought so hard for. His bother had indeed developed and although Sesshoumaru had been waiting for this development, he was none too sure what to make of it now that it was before him. He looked at the girl in his arms and met her eyes. She was planning, unsure of what she would do, but she wouldn't let Inuyasha give up his soul for her. Could these two really have found that love told of only in myth?
Coming to a decision, Sesshoumaru sheathed Tensaiga back into its scabbard in one graceful movement. "I have done nothing, little brother," Sesshoumaru finally spoke, breaking the tense silence. "Your human's magic is what called to Tensaiga," he informed them. "I had yet to come to a decision about your offer and hence there was no bargain struck and I need to claim nothing from you."
Inuyasha watched, dumbstruck, as Sesshoumaru turned and began walking away from them without another word. Kagome's magic had called to Tensaiga? He looked down at Kagome and saw the amazement in her eyes as well.
"Soon, little brother," Sesshoumaru spoke, his voice clear even over the distance his easy pace had already covered. "We will have another conversation."
Inuyasha looked down at Kagome, but she hadn't heard. Sesshoumaru was too far away for Kagome's hearing to pick it up, but Inuyasha had…and he wondered.
+~+~
A/N: I am really very unsure of this chapter…I think it was Sesshoumaru's voice that makes me so uncertain. Also, I had mostly an idea of what I wanted to happen in the next chapter, but now I'm not so sure that it fits well enough…that it's strong enough. I'm not even sure that this chapter is strong enough for what you guys have been waiting for…
The thoughts in Sesshoumaru's head are thanks to pruningshears cause of something she said to me in her last review that there was more than one reason why Sesshy would want Tetsusaiga and it made me think of another real reason why Sesshy would want to test Inu. I tried to write it as if he didn't necessarily want Tetsusaiga, but wanted to see how Inu would react, what he would give up his life for, so to speak. Anyway, if you guys didn't get that, then PLEASE review and let me know, (hopefully, ideally, with some suggestions as to how I can write it so that you can see it that way…) so that I can redo cause that was pretty important to me.
So, yeah…write and lemme know…k?